Hydrogen energy systems

Abstract

Hydrogen energy systems for obtaining hydrogen gas from a solid storage medium using controlled lasers. Also disclosed are systems for charging/recharging magnesium with hydrogen to obtain magnesium hydride. Other relatively safe systems assisting storage, transport and use (as in vehicles) of such solid storage mediums are disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A hydrogen energy method comprising the steps of:
 a) using at least one material deposition apparatus structured and arranged to manufacture at least one hydrogen storer; and 
 b) manufacturing such at least one hydrogen storer structured and arranged to store at least one substantial amount of hydrogen; 
 c) wherein such at least one hydrogen storer comprises at least one hydrogen-release permitter structured and arranged to permit photonic-excitation-assisted release of stored hydrogen from such at least one hydrogen storer; and 
 d) providing such at least one hydrogen storer to assist at least one use of hydrogen gas. 
 
     
     
       2. The hydrogen energy method according to  claim 1  wherein the step of using at least one material deposition apparatus comprises the step of using at least one filtered cathodic arc deposition apparatus. 
     
     
       3. The hydrogen energy method according to  claim 2  wherein the step of manufacturing such at least one hydrogen storer comprises the step of forming at least one layer of hydrogen storer material. 
     
     
       4. The hydrogen energy method according to  claim 3  wherein such hydrogen storer material comprises magnesium. 
     
     
       5. The hydrogen energy method according to  claim 3  wherein such hydrogen storer material comprises magnesium hydride. 
     
     
       6. The hydrogen energy method according to  claim 3  wherein the step of manufacturing such at least one hydrogen storer further comprises the step of forming alternating layers comprising such at least one layer of hydrogen storer material and at least one layer of Nitinol. 
     
     
       7. The hydrogen energy method according to  claim 6  wherein such hydrogen storer material comprises magnesium. 
     
     
       8. The hydrogen energy method according to  claim 6  wherein such hydrogen storer material comprises magnesium hydride. 
     
     
       9. The hydrogen energy method according to  claim 3  wherein the step of forming at least one layer of hydrogen storer material comprises the step of deposition of such hydrogen storer material on at least one substrate structured and arranged to receive deposition of such hydrogen storer material. 
     
     
       10. The hydrogen energy method according to  claim 9  wherein such at least one substrate comprises stainless steel. 
     
     
       11. The hydrogen energy method according to  claim 10  wherein such hydrogen storer material comprises magnesium. 
     
     
       12. The hydrogen energy method according to  claim 9  wherein such at least one substrate comprises Nitinol. 
     
     
       13. The hydrogen energy method according to  claim 12  wherein such hydrogen storer material comprises magnesium hydride. 
     
     
       14. The hydrogen energy method according to  claim 3  wherein the step of forming at least one layer of hydrogen storer material comprise the step of creating at least one magnetic field encompassing such hydrogen storer material during formation of such at least one layer. 
     
     
       15. The hydrogen energy method according to  claim 1  wherein such at least one hydrogen storer comprises a thickness greater than about 15 microns. 
     
     
       16. The hydrogen energy method according to  claim 15  wherein such at least one hydrogen storer comprises a thickness between about 15 microns and about 30 microns. 
     
     
       17. The hydrogen energy method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of forming at least one pattern of cavities structured and arranged to provide substantially uniform porosity. 
     
     
       18. The hydrogen energy method according to  claim 17  wherein said at least one pattern of cavities comprises at least one angle, with respect to at least one surface of hydrogen storer material, of about 45°. 
     
     
       19. The system according to  claim 18  wherein each of said cavities comprises a diameter of about 50 μm. 
     
     
       20. The hydrogen energy method according to  claim 1  wherein the step of manufacturing such at least one hydrogen storer comprises the step of forming such at least one hydrogen storer as a disk. 
     
     
       21. The hydrogen energy method according to  claim 1  wherein said at least one hydrogen storer comprises:
 a) a unified matrix of granules in a material structured and arranged to cyclically store hydrogen and release stored hydrogen; and 
 b) wherein controlled storage and release of hydrogen is achieved. 
 
     
     
       22. The hydrogen energy method according to  claim 21  wherein said unified matrix of granules comprises grain sizes less than about 300 nm. 
     
     
       23. The hydrogen energy method according to  claim 22  wherein said unified matrix of granules comprises grain sizes less than about 150 nm.